Multiple sclerosis

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Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. In this progressive disorder, inflammation destroys the protective myelin nerve covering, leaving multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis). The symptoms and their severity vary widely and may progress into episodes of crisis alternating with episodes of remission.

Review Date: 7/4/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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